3 Budgets: Gifts for a Colleague (That You Can Buy Fast, Online)

Another holiday season usually means another Secret Santa game at the office! Gifts for your co-workers or clients can be tricky—and they can be expensive. And what about your boss? To see how much others spend, if anything, visit the results of a recent poll in the LinkedIn group Connect: Professional Women’s Network, powered by Citi: “How much do you spend on a holiday gift from your boss?” Some offices take the pressure off by banning gifts, but if you discover you have some shopping to do, here are some options, in three different price ranges, for things you can order online (hint: on your “lunch break”). They won’t break your bank, and they can help save you precious holiday time.

Low Budget: $10

Carrying a personal water bottle is the eco-friendly thing to do, but I’ve found that they’re cumbersome and often leak. Not the BPA-free bottle from Vapur, however. It’s freezable, foldable, has a clip-on ring, and comes in six colors and several patterns. Exclusive editions are available at Macy’s and Eddie Bauer, but you can buy one for $9.99 at Vapur.us. Or, get a two-bottle set of red and blue for $15.99—and keep one for yourself.

There are also a wide variety of skins and cases for cell phones and tablets. Check out deals at Handhelditems.com, which has many at less than $10 and lots more at less than $20.

Magazine subscriptions are a great idea, provided you know the recipient’s interests. Magazines.com offers a wide range of titles from under $10 up to $50, with lots of discounts on popular publications. You can give the office movie buff a month of Netflix service with DVD and instant play for computer and mobile devices for $7.99 (three months cost $24.97; six months $47.94).

Here are some options, in three price ranges, for gifts you can order for a colleague online (hint: on your ‘lunch break’).

Mid Budget: Under $25

Thingsremembered.com has a fabulous selection of personalized gifts, including a folding digital desk clock with note pad and pen; a star-shaped business card holder; and colorful fleece throws, customizable with names or monograms, all around $25.00. You’ll get free shipping on orders over $100.

For your favorite lunch buddy, ULTA.com has several cosmetics and nail gift sets under $24.99. It’s a good deal if you get a couple: ULTA offers free samples and free shipping on orders over $50.

If you’re a last-minute shopper, your best bet may be the gift card rack at your local market or drugstore. They come in a dizzying array of vendors and denominations, and $25 will buy a lot of lattes or iTunes songs or apps. Amazon.com offers both virtual and traditional gift cards, redeemable storewide for books, music, electronics and more.

High Budget: Under $50

If you’ve got a bit more cash to spend, you’ll find plenty of delectable options like chocolate-dipped strawberries ($29-$45 at EdibleArrangements.com), filet mignons ($49.95 at OmahaSteaks.com), beautifully packaged boxes of fruits and other treats ($29.95-$49.95 at HarryandDavid.com), and fine wines in all price ranges at Bevmo.com. Oldtimecandy.com sells retro treats from the past; the 4 lb., 70- piece Decade Box is $33.99, and chocolate and sugar-free assortments are $29.99. With all edible gifts, of course you should know your recipient’s tastes. Vegetarian? Teetotaler? Diabetic? Find out and shop accordingly!

Redenvelope.com offers sophisticated gifts: A pair of oval stud initial cufflinks costs $49.95. As for red plants, those festive hallmarks of the season, several varieties of poinsettia and 3-bulb amaryllis are $49.95 at jacksonandperkins.com.